The exhibitions of Cassady School, which is the feeder for the higher grades, were held the week previous.  Large and delighted audiences listened to the creditable performances of the young people, who showed in their parts the faithful work of teachers.

On Sabbath morning, the baccalaureate sermon was preached by Secretary C.J.  Ryder, of Boston.  Many valuable and practical lessons for the graduating class were drawn from his somewhat unique text, “And falling into a place where two seas met,” Acts 27:41.  Various currents in life will bear us hither and thither unless we are founded upon the rock and there abide.  The closing words telling of the inscription upon an ancient cross, teneo et tenior, will long abide as an inspiration and help with those who heard.

At 4 P.M. the Sabbath-school prayer meeting gathered together students and teachers in a tender farewell, and at night the missionary sermon was preached by Rev. E.J.  Penney, of Selma.

The examinations of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday gave evidence of thorough work and of painstaking study.

On Wednesday night, four young men, graduates of the Theological Department, were ordained.  The sermon was preached by Rev. A.F.  Beard, D.D., the ordaining prayer offered by the President, a most appropriate charge given by Pastor Snell of Birmingham, and the right hand by the Moderator, Rev. J.R.  Sims, of Shelby Iron Works.

The graduating exercises were held on Thursday morning.  Six students received diplomas from the Normal Course, and five were graduated from the Theological Department.  Essays and orations showed thought and originality, and were well delivered.  If all the noble sentiments expressed are carried out in the lives of the speakers, a class has gone out from our walls who will make a stand for truth and righteousness, manly men and faithful womanly women.

After the conferring of diplomas and the awarding of prizes, President DeForest gave a resume of the growth of the college during the ten years of his connection with it.  The number of students has increased from 203 to 427, instructors from 9 to 18.  In this time, theological graduates have passed from 7 to 28, and normal from 18 to 64.

The alumni dinner was partaken of with relish by graduates and invited guests, and after the physical man had been refreshed an intellectual feast was spread.  Older graduates testified to their indebtedness to the College which by one, quoting the words of another, was said to be “de main spring ob de fly wheel ob de whole conjunction.”  Visiting friends spoke of their interest and satisfaction in the work of the school, and Drs. Beard and Haygood, with appreciative and hopeful words, fittingly closed the festivities.

On Thursday night, Dr. A.G.  Haygood, Secretary of the Slater Fund, the steadfast friend of the black man, gave an address.  His eloquence, wit and earnestness held a large audience in close attention for more than an hour, and he left with them much matter for thought.